West African rainbow agama (Agama picticauda)

Short answers

West African rainbow agama: How big does the enclosure need to be?

120×60×80 cm.

West African rainbow agama: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–34 °C, basking spot 45 °C, at night 20–24 °C.

West African rainbow agama: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

West African rainbow agama: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

West African rainbow agama: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–34 °C

Night temperature

20–24 °C

Basking spot

45 °C

Humidity

40–60 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

120×60×80 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam, large rock structures, climbing branches

Feeding

Food

House crickets, crickets, roaches, a little greenery and fruit

Feeding interval

4–5×/week

Key facts

Adult size

25–35 cm total length

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

West Africa

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

A harem with one male and two to three females (1.2 or 1.3); males must be kept strictly apart. Reason: several males fight over territory and basking spot until one is injured or permanently subordinate. Females generally get along but need their own basking and hiding spots.

Notes

The real "red-head" of the trade: the male has a brilliant orange-red head and a blue body. Very active and hungry for sun – the basking spot has to reach well over 40 °C.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for West African rainbow agama (Agama picticauda) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Common agama – red-headed (Agama agama) – Intermediate
• Kirk's rock agama (Agama kirkii) – Intermediate
• Namibian rock agama (Agama planiceps) – Intermediate
• Red-headed rock agama (Agama agama lionotus) – Intermediate
• Mwanza flat-headed rock agama (Agama mwanzae) – Intermediate
• Southern rock agama (Agama atra) – Intermediate
• Bibron's agama (Agama impalearis) – Intermediate
• Blue-headed tree agama (Acanthocercus atricollis) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep West African rainbow agama (Agama picticauda) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×80 cm), substrate (Sand-loam, large rock structures, climbing branches), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.